Assam to table bill for banning polygamy in February 2024

bill to ban polygamy would be tabled in next session of Assam assembly due in February next year, said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. bill seeks to pan polygamy in state, while may have clauses for ‘love jihad’ suggest reports. 

On May 12 this year, Assam government had anunced move to ban practice of polygamy in state through “legislative action”. An expert committee was also constituted to examine issue. expert committee has opined that state government is legislatively competent to frame laws to end practice of polygamy, however, it would need President’s assent.

Talking to reporters, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “ bill to ban polygamy will be placed on floor of Assam assembly which will commence from February 4.” Officials said that state government had received as many as 149 suggestions in response to a public tice seeking feedback on proposed law to ban practice of marrying multiple times.

Before this, Assam Government had cracked down on child marris in February this year pledging to end menace of child marri in state by 2026.  Total 4235 cases were registered while over 3000 were arrested. 

While All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) MLA Rafiqul Islam said his party will push for a discussion in Assembly on a proposed Bill to ban polygamy that state government plans to introduce in February next year. “We would seek a discussion on it (proposed draft legislation to ban polygamy in Assam). While re are many burning issues in state chief minister seems focussed only on polygamy,” said AIUDF leader.

(With ncy inputs)